Sensory quiet sessions launched at Harold Holt Swim Centre

Sensory quiet sessions are being trialled by the City of Stonnington at Harold Holt Swim Centre in both the pool and gym areas from Fridays and Sundays commencing Friday 4th April until Sunday 4th May.  

The City of Stonnington notes it “celebrates people with a variety of different ways of thinking, processing and learning. We're committed to making Stonnington an accessible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for all.”

Physical activity is beneficial for people of all ages and abilities, although many people face hidden barriers leading to exclusion from participation. 

People with sensory needs may experience stress and anxiety when exposed to stimulus such as bright lights and/or loud noises.  

During a sensory quiet session, barriers that may prevent people with sensory needs from participating in aquatic, leisure or fitness activities will be kept to a minimum, this means:

• no music

• no hair or hand dryers

• no planned announcements

• dimmed lights in the pool area (lights cannot be dimmed in the gym room due to equipment being used) 

• no aquatic and fitness classes (except for Access All Abilities swim classes during 3 – 3.45pm on Fridays).

Everyone is welcome to attend the swim centre during a sensory quiet session, with Council asking for visitors to be respectful and keep noise to a minimum during the session to contribute to the low sensory environment. 

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April) Council’s trial sensory quiet sessions will be launched on Friday 4th April 2025 with complementary casual entry provided to patrons attending the launch. Regular membership or casual fees apply for pool entry for all following sessions. 

Sensory quiet sessions will be held from 3 - 3.45pm on Fridays and 7 – 7.45am on Sundays from Friday 4th April until Sunday 4th May.  

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